Commuters and transporters travelling to Himachal Pradesh may face disruptions starting Monday, June 3, as the Sangharsh Committee against the proposed entry tax plans to intensify its protest. The committee has announced a four-hour traffic blockade at all entry and exit points connecting Himachal Pradesh with Punjab, from 11 am to 3 pm.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the decision was finalized during a committee meeting held in Nurpur Bedi on Friday. Protesters have labelled the proposed tax as an “anti-people tax” and have vowed to continue their agitation until the Himachal Pradesh government withdraws the levy. The committee stated that the blockade is expected to affect a significant number of commuters, traders, and transporters who regularly travel between the neighbouring states.
Gaurav Rana, a leader of the Sangharsh Committee, informed The Tribune that vehicles would be halted for four hours at all major border crossings into Himachal Pradesh. The committee has appealed for support from local residents, market associations, transport unions, and social organisations, emphasizing that the agitation will be conducted peacefully and democratically. They have urged the public to cooperate during the planned blockade.
The proposed entry tax has generated considerable concern in the border districts of Punjab and Haryana, where many residents frequently travel to Himachal Pradesh for business, tourism, employment, and agricultural purposes. Given that Monday is typically a busy travel day, commuters are anticipating substantial delays if the blockade proceeds as planned. The core of the controversy lies in the Himachal Pradesh government’s decision to impose an entry tax on vehicles entering the state from neighbouring regions.
In a previous submission to the Punjab government, the Sangharsh Committee had proposed a reciprocal tax on vehicles registered in Himachal Pradesh. The protesters argue that the Himachal Pradesh entry tax functions as an additional toll, creating an unnecessary financial burden for individuals and businesses involved in inter-state movement. They contend that this tax increases transportation costs for goods carriers from Punjab, escalates expenses for industrial units reliant on cross-border trade, and impacts farmers transporting agricultural produce and inputs.
Furthermore, the committee has expressed concerns that the tax could deter tourism, a vital economic sector for Himachal Pradesh. Leaders of the protest highlighted the strong social, economic, and familial ties that necessitate regular travel between Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh for residents of border areas. They believe the imposition of an entry tax will create avoidable obstacles and negatively affect regional integration and commerce.
The opposition to the proposed entry tax has been gaining momentum in recent weeks, with the committee organizing meetings and awareness campaigns across border regions. Protest leaders have warned that the movement might expand in the coming weeks if their demands are not addressed. The meeting in Nurpur Bedi was attended by various activists, including Madan Gopal Sharma, Darshan Singh Kapal, Kuldeep Dev Bawa, Darshan Singh, Dilawar Singh, Didar Singh Dara, Mahinder Pal Happy, Kuldeep Singh Sonu Bawa, Binder Bhagal, Mahinder Kumar Shonki, Sunil Kumar, and Kamal Kumar.
Authorities are expected to closely monitor the situation on Monday, anticipating that thousands of vehicles could be impacted by the planned four-hour traffic disruption at the border entry points. The protest signifies a growing tension over inter-state taxation policies and their impact on daily commerce and connectivity.
The Chenab Times News Desk